Download The Independent 6th April 2012

Campus Corner
Friday, 06 April 2012
Author / Source : INDEPENDENT REPORT/AGENCY
Seminar on Climate Change
DHAKA, APR 5: Environment and Forest Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud, recently visited Antarctica for some
research work. BRAC University (BRACU) took the liberty of organising a seminar titled ‘Climate Change
and Glacier Melting: Sharing Experience of Antarctica’, at its auditorium on Tuesday, says a press
release. The seminar was jointly organised by BRACU Adventure Club, Oikos Dhaka and The Global
Affairs Forum.
Dr Zainab F Ali, director of Student Affairs of BRACU delivered welcome speech. This was followed by a
special speech from mountaineer Musa Ibrahim. He focused on glacier melting in the Himalayas which
is one of the contributing reasons for the rise of sea level. He emphasized on this by providing the
audience with information regarding glacier melting in tons, observed from April 18, 2010 to April 30,
2010. He mentioned that the base camp at Mt Everest is now situated at about 16000-17000ft which
previously was at 12000ft.
Dr Hasan Mahmud shared his experience of Antarctica journey last January along with a team of 118
people. The tour was organised by National Geography. The main goal of the team was to observe the
melting of the glacier and the ice caps over a period of time. Scientists also shared ideas and thoughts
upon the main issues contributing to this cause and finding probable solutions. Dr Ainun Nishat, vice
chancellor of BRACU, said if the melting of the glaciers and ice caps continue in such a manner, half of
Bangladesh will be under water soon .
The seminar played a great role in creating awareness amongst the students and staff of BRACU about
the global climate change situation and where individuals can contribute to prepare Bangladesh to face
the challenges of climate change.